Wellington

Seas had gotten rough last night and we all had a bit of trouble walking in a straight line. Thankfully docked at Wellington this morning, it is calm but overcast and potential rain in the afternoon.

We asked for breakfast in our cabin for 7 to 7.30,but it arrived at 6.20 so an even earlier start to the day than we planned. Julie is offering to give them my little travel clock as she says they clearly can't tell the time! She is doing a different tour to me so had to head out before me. In deciding what to wear today, my choices are getting more limited as all the good food and drinks (or is it the New Zealand air?) are causing my clothes to shrink or my waistline to expand! At this rate, by the time I get home, the only things that will fit me will be my earrings! I've booked to do the tour of the museum and the cable car so head out about 9 and have a great coach driver who explains lots of what we are passing and driving through.

Many of the buildings are so very different. The buildings are not built of brick due to not passing earthquake requirements, but some have brick facades. The law Court has an unusual grill around it which is meant to symbolise the protection that the law offers. A number of buildings do not meet the current earthquake building code so remain empty. Lots of short winding streets on a very hilly city and no shortage of traffic lights! When we arrive at the museum we are given a one hour guided tour. Lots to see and do but we are shown the highlights.

The history of the Treaty of Waitangi was really interesting. It clearly wasn't translated from the English correctly and not surprisingly it was to the detriment of the Maori people. Time to get back on the coach and head to the cable car which had its entrance in a lane way in the middle of a main street. It's a short ride to the top but well worth it for the views.

It started to drizzle just prior to getting back on the coach for our return to the ship. Our dive back took us through the botanic gardens which really looked nice. There is a statue of Richard Seddon who was the first Governor to give women the vote in NZ so I had to get a photo of him even if it is his back! Back on board just after 1pm and I met up with Julie and we had to deck 14 for pizza seeing as the main dining room is closed on Port days. Julie decides that she can fit in another of the premium desserts but I opt for wine.

The rain now looks like it has set in so it's a good time for me to check out the laundromat on board to get some washing done. Just as well I put myself through university as understanding how the blasted machines work was a major test! Julie, meanwhile is having a nana nap. We head to the Explorer lounge for the afternoon quiz that had already started. Time for another dirty banana. The rain had well and truly settled in all afternoon and not the prettiest port to leave especially while it is raining, but at least it wasn't windy which Wellingtonis well known for. Then time to head for dinner.

Vietnamese chicken dumpling pho followed by step steak and glazed vegetables. And although I couldn't eat it all, I managed to fit in some coconut Creme Brulee which was heavenly. After dinner, Julie talked me into going to see the ventriloquist show. We played 8 minutes which was 7 minutes to long for me. He was a shocker. I would have done better with a sock on my hand and s mouth full of marbles! We then head to the karaoke and managed to stay until we heard Karen from Adelaide do her Shania Twain 'Man I feel like a woman'. We then left the bar and when we were waiting for the lift to go up to our cabin, we were having a laugh about Karen from Adelaide and her Kath Day Night stiff head and dance moves. You guessed it, around the corner comes Karen from Adelaide! We were like deer caught in the headlights. Julie quickly tells her how much she likes her top (a grey windcheater that has red sequin stars on it!). Thank goodness she didn't refer to her black track pants that had a thick silver sequin band down both side seams... Anyway we were most relieved when the lift came and we were able to escape. Back to our cabin and time for bed. Julie has put on an old Die Hard movie on the TV but chances are she will be asleep before I finish the blog.